We celebrate the holiday every year. For those that believe, it’s a time to remember the purpose of God coming in the flesh. In this time of isolation, a time of being set apart, of being asked to stay home, of being mandated to keep our distance from others, of being asked to sacrifice… this is the year to perform a spiritual check up.
What is a spiritual check-up?
When I think about a spiritual check-up the first thing that comes to mind is the condition of my heart.
What is the condition of my heart?
First of all, does it have a spiritual pulse? Am I able to love, to show love, to express love to those I consider deserving? Am I able to show any degree of love to those I consider undeserving of my love?
Do I love myself? Do I love myself more than I love others?
Can my heart show compassion? Can it empathize with the trials and tribulations of others, especially those that are of the faith?
Does it harbor any feelings of hate towards anyone, friend, family, or foe?
Does it harbor bitterness, resentment, arrogance, conceit, jealousy, greed, fear, all sorts of malice?
Does it lust for what it cannot have? Does it envy the blessings of others, the riches of others?
Is my heart willing to separate from material things? Is there desire to separate from the things of this world? Does it place a significant value on ownership and on worldly standing? Do my basic and immediate needs outweigh the needs of someone in greater need? Do I give only when I have met all my needs?From: Imagine God in the Clouds-Irma Mathis
Mark 9:14–19
“And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?”
Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.”
He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Matt. 17:14–21; Luke 9:37–42
There is only one Gospel
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Romans 10:14
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
John 5:39-40
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
Luke 24:45-49
“And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Isaiah 53:5
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
Be blessed!
Prayers for all of us.
Psalm 62
“Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”
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